Domestic Violence and Family Instability in Bayelsa State: A Study of Yenagoa

Madubochi Wosu PhD; Nyimeo-O Ishmael Osaroedey

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no5.2026.pg157.172

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Domestic Violence and Family Instability in Bayelsa State: A Study of Yenagoa

Madubochi Wosu PhD, Nyimeo-O Ishmael Osaroedey

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between domestic violence and family instability in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, while stratified random sampling was used to select 200 respondents from major communities within Yenagoa metropolis. Data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that emotional violence was the most prevalent form of abuse, followed by physical and psychological violence. The study further established that domestic violence contributes significantly to family instability through separation, divorce, marital conflict, child neglect, and single parenting. In addition, most victims relied on informal coping mechanisms such as seeking help from family members and religious leaders, while only a few reported cases to the police or non-governmental organizations due to fear of stigma, cultural pressures, and weak institutional support. The study concluded that domestic violence is a major driver of family instability in Yenagoa and is sustained by patriarchal cultural norms, economic dependence, and inadequate enforcement of legal protections. The study recommended stronger enforcement of the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act, public enlightenment campaigns, women empowerment programs, establishment of counseling centers and shelters, and improved collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and religious institutions in combating domestic violence.

Keywords

Domestic violencefamily instability and gender-based violence.

References

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Domestic Violence and Family Instability in Bayelsa State: A Study of Yenagoa

Abstract

Keywords

References

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